Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

A new study out of New York City’s Gruss Magnetic Resonance Research Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine suggests that amateur athletes who head balls in sports such as soccer may suffer traumatic brain injuries similar to the damage caused in car accidents. Researchers in the study used MRI scans to investigate brain trauma in 32 amateur adult athletes. The athletes headed balls an average of 436 times annually and those who headed the ball more often showed brain abnormalities. MRI scans showed that many of the athletes suffered from brain trauma, which in many cases was subtle and had few symptoms but could nevertheless affect coordination and thinking skills.

According to lead researcher Dr. Michael Lipton, the trauma comes from the repeated heading of the ball with the head. According to the study, the repeated injury leads to brain cell degeneration. The average age of the study subjects was 31 and those most affected showed signs of brain trauma in the areas of the brain responsible for memory, attention, mobility and visual perception.

The study is significant because millions of children and adults play soccer and other games where the head comes into contact with the balls. In Miami, for example, many children play soccer. Does this new study suggest that some of these athletes may suffer from Miami brain injuries similar in severity to those suffered in Miami traffic accidents? The study also runs counter to the popular belief, held by many coaches and parents, that sports-related Miami personal injuries occur when a child suffers a concussion or other injury. This study suggests that players may be injured simply by playing the game over a period of years.

Many experts, including Dr. Chris Koutures, have stated that more research needs to be done to determine the connection between sports and head injuries. Some experts have suggested additional research so that header limits can be placed on sports activities, especially those activities involving children. The Gruss Magnetic Resonance Research Center studied only adults, which naturally makes readers of the study wonder whether sports could cause similar injuries to minors and children. Previous research reviews, including one by Dr. Koutures, concluded that there is no documentation to show a connection between long-term head injuries and repeated heading.

According to Dr. Koutures, children should be carefully taught proper heading technique when playing contact games such as soccer and should not be permitted to head a ball until age ten. Dr. Koutures believes that children younger than ten cannot master the correct heading technique that can help prevent brain injuries.

Continue reading "Could Sports Cause Miami Brain Injuries Similar to Those Suffered in Car Crashes?" »

Many Hialeah students rely on school buses to get them to school – as do students across the state. While some parents worry about the safety of school buses and are concerned about Hialeah bus accidents, studies have shown that school buses may be one of the safest means of transportation to and from school. School buses do this in a number of ways:

1) By reducing the number of cars on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), school buses nationwide keep about 17.3 million cars away from school areas every morning. Each school bus removes about 36 cars from a school area. This is significant, since early-morning traffic congestion around the school zone can increase the risk of Hialeah pedestrian accidents and other traffic accidents. Nationwide, school buses also save 2.3 billion gallons of fuel, 6 billion dollars, and 44.6 billion pounds of CO2. This helps build a stronger economy and safer air for everyone.

2) School buses are designed to be safer. According to the NHTSA, school buses are designed to prevent injuries and prevent crashes. School buses have many safety features, including flashing lights, cross-view mirrors, reinforced sides, stop sign arms, high visibility colors, and special crush standards. In addition, school bus drivers are specially screened and trained as well as subject to random testing to ensure that they are safe drivers. All these safety factors make the average school bus far safer than the average passenger vehicle driven by an adult. School bus drivers are specially trained to be very safe drivers and the vehicles themselves are designed to be safer. In the unlikely event that your child is involved in a school bus accident, the special design of the school bus can help reduce the risk of serious Hialeah burn injuries, broken bones, head injuries, and other common injuries which can occur with any Hialeah traffic accident.

3) School buses have lower fatality rates in accidents. According to the NHSTA, student fatalities involving a car crash with a teen driver are 58%, compared with 23% in crashes involving adult drivers, while only 1% of student fatalities during school travel hours involve school buses. Statistics show repeatedly that far fewer students are injured while riding a school bus compared with getting a drive in a passenger car. While school buses are not without risks and while much has been written about adding safety belts to make school buses safer, the reality is that this is the safest mode of transportation available to most students.

Continue reading "The Facts About Hialeah Bus Accidents Involving School Buses" »

While Thanksgiving can be a time for families, great food, and fun, however, it can also mean injuries and accidents. To keep your family safe this Thanksgiving, make sure that you:

1) Evaluate your home for known hazards. If you are hosting a holiday event this week, do a quick walk-through of your home before guests arrive. Any tripping hazards, slip and fall hazards, or other dangers should be removed or clearly marked. If your home has a pool, make sure that the pool area is secured with a locked gate. Miami drowning accidents and pool accidents can easily happen if a child wanders away from the holiday table while everyone in talking.

2) Help elderly loved ones this holiday season. Elderly loved ones can feel loneliness especially keenly around the holiday season. If you have an elderly loved on in a hospital or retirement community, consider visiting or inviting your relative to your home for the holiday. If you do have elderly loved ones visiting your home for Thanksgiving, make sure that someone helps them safely into your home and ensure that any tripping hazards are removed.

3) Use proper food safety techniques. Follow the instructions on your turkey regarding thawing and cooking. Keep a food thermometer handy to ensure that the turkey is safe to eat and clean your food preparation areas clean as you cook. At this time of year, it is also a good idea to keep an eye on any food recalls – to ensure that the food you are eating is safe.

4) Take extra precautions against fire. With many guests in your home, it can be easier to lose track of the barbecue, oven, and candles. Make sure that you have working smoke detectors in your home and use kitchen timers to alert you to check on food. Light candles only when everyone is seated at the table and be sure to blow out the candles as soon as the meal is over. Unattended candles are a major cause of Miami burn injuries and fires during the holiday season. Never leave candles, grills, or any open flames unattended.

5) Keep your pets safe. Thanksgiving can be very stressful for your pets, especially if you are having many new guests over. Try to keep your pet in a separate area of the home while you celebrate – unless your pet is very well socialized. The extra hurry and unfamiliar noise of the holiday can cause any pet to become unusually aggressive and can lead to a Miami dog bite incident.

The legal team at the Flaxman Law Group would like to extend warm holiday wishes to all our readers. If you are celebrating Thanksgiving this week, the legal team at the Flaxman Law Group wish you a happy and safe holiday.

Continue reading "Avoid Miami Personal Injuries and Accidents This Thanksgiving " »

The morning school run is a fact of life in many Miami households. Any family with school aged children needs to get kids to school in the mornings. Unfortunately, getting kids to school safely can be challenge, especially since busy parents are rushing around and fighting morning traffic. According to a recent Orlando Sentinel article, students may be at risk when heading to school in the mornings.

Many students are dropped off at school by parents. Unfortunately, extra cars on the road, busy morning routines, and congested school zone areas can increase the risks of Miami car accidents in the mornings. Some schools have special drop-off zones for parents to ease congestion and to reduce the risk of traffic accidents, but even in these areas high volumes of student foot traffic and plenty of potentially distracted drivers creates a risk.

Some families opt to have children walk to school. Some experts even encourage the idea, saying that the moderate amount of exercise that children can get walking to and from school can help combat obesity and can give students some extra exercise in the mornings. However, walking to school can also mean more Miami pedestrian accidents. According to the recent Orlando Sentinel article, some young Florida students need to walk to school in the dark, especially as days get shorter, in order to get to school on time. Budget cuts can also mean that students are forced to walk because buses run to fewer areas. In addition to pedestrian accidents, parents considering letting their children walk to school also worry about the personal safety of their children.

School buses are considered one of the safest options for students headed to school. Miami bus accidents are rare, especially school bus accidents. However, not every student qualifies for a school bus. Students who live too close to the school or too remotely are often not given the option of taking the school bus to school.

Public transportation is another option for Miami students. Since bus accidents are rare, this can be a good alternative. Unfortunately, not all schools are on bus routes and some parents have concerns about personal safety on public buses. In busy areas of the city, young students may have a hard time finding the right bus, as well.

Many Miami families are finding that traveling in groups makes the most sense for the morning school run. For example, car pooling can reduce congestion at schools, get kids to school on time, and can make the morning rush a little more bearable. It is also kinder for the environment. Having children walk to school or to the bus stop together can also make children more visible and can help allay some of personal safety fears that parents may have.

If your child has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is imperative that you get legal advice as well as medical help. If your child has sustained serious injuries, those injuries can affect a lifetime of income earning and learning. A qualified Miami personal injury attorney can investigate the accident and can aggressively pursue your child’s rights so that your child’s future is safeguarded.

Continue reading "Are Children at Risk of Miami Pedestrian Accidents in the Mornings?" »

A study published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences could provide some insight as to why there are so many Miami motorcycle accidents – and why these Miami traffic accidents tend to lead to so many permanent and serious injuries. According to “Death by Motorcycle: Background, Behavioral, and Situational Correlates of Fatal Motorcycles Collisions,” motorcycle are eleven times more likely than passenger cars to be involved in fatal accidents, per mile driven. The study also found that while overall road accident fatalities declined in 46 states and in the District of Columbia between 2007 and 2008, fatalities involving motorcycle crashes actually increased in DC and in 28 other states.

According to the study, men were overrepresented in motorcycle accident fatalities, accounting for over 87% of such deaths. In addition, almost 60% of fatalities occurred on the weekend while almost half occurred in the evening or during the nighttime. Whether due to worse conditions or the risk of drunk driving accidents, drivers may wish to be extra cautious during these times to avoid a Miami traffic accident. The study also concluded that almost 60% of motorcycle fatalities occurred on rural streets.

In just over half of fatal motorcycle collisions, the accident involved another vehicle. Experts have said it again and again: in a Miami truck accident or car accident involving a motorcycle, the motorcyclist does not have a chance. The difference in size and force alone ensures that the motorcycle bears the brunt of the damage. Since motorcycles are lighter than most other vehicles on the road and since they offer less protection for the rider, motorcyclists need to take extra precautions to protect themselves.

Unfortunately, Miami motorcycle accidents may not decline anytime soon. As gas prices increase, motorcycles seem far more attractive to many motorists due to the fuel efficiency of the vehicles. Since Miami enjoys such a mild climate, motorcycle enthusiasts can also ride their motorcycles year-round, making the risk of accidents a year-round issue. According to experts, there are several things that motorcycle riders can do to stay safe:

1) Wear a helmet. Florida had a helmet law until 2000, when the legislation was repealed. Since 2000, the number of fatal Florida motorcycle accidents has risen. While it’s not the law, wearing a helmet is the smartest thing you can do when you get on a motorcycle. If you are thrown from your motorcycle in a Miami traffic accident, your chances of survival are very poor. Wearing a helmet, on the other hand, protects your head in a collision and reduces the chances of you becoming a Miami brain injury patient due to head trauma after an accident.

2) Be wary in high traffic areas. These can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists, since impatient drivers may not notice your motorcycle. If you are stuck in traffic, make sure you have plenty of room and ensure that drivers around you can see you.

3) If you are in a motorcycle accident, be sure to consult with a qualified Miami personal injury attorney. There is in some cases a bias against motorcyclists in an accident and in some cases motorcyclists are blamed for an accident even if another driver was at fault. Contacting a qualified attorney shortly after your accident ensures that your attorney can gather the facts about the true cause of your accident.

Continue reading "Recent Study Provides Insight Into Miami Motorcycle Accidents and Accidents Across the Country " »

Miami brain injuries are among the most devastating injuries that victims can incur. Brain injuries can rob a person of their memories, job, and everyday life. Those who have sustained a serious and permanent brain injury may be out of work for a lifetime, may have a difficult time facing everyday tasks, and may have trouble with their emotions and relationships. This type of injury can literally affect every facet of a person's life. Many brain injuries are in fact avoidable. There are many things that you can do to help prevent this type of injury from occurring to you:

1) Buckle up. Miami car accidents are among the top causes of Miami brain injuries. Simply buckling your seat belt every time you get in the car can dramatically reduce your risk of serious injuries in a car accident. Your seatbelt keeps you from being thrown out of the vehicle or from being tossed around inside the vehicle, two common reasons for brain injuries and head injuries in a car accident.

2) When playing sports and exercising, protect your head. Whether you are skiing, bicycling, playing contact sports, or taking part in other higher risk activities, wearing a helmet and other safety gear can help protect your head. Studies have shown that in Miami bicycle accidents, for example, helmet use is one of the most vital factors for victims wishing to prevent head injuries. Helmets cushion your head against impact, helping you to avoid debilitating and even fatal injuries. Choose a helmet that you like and are willing to wear all the time. Make sure that you strap it correctly and that it fits correctly every time. If you have been in a Miami motorcycle accident or sports accident with your helmet, replace your helmet, even if it looks fine. Its ability to protect you may be compromised.

3) Know your risks. Consider your life and consider where you are most likely to sustain a head injury. If you are on the road often, Miami car accidents may be your biggest risk. If you routinely engage in high risk sports, that may be your biggest risk. Determining where you are most likely to be injured and taking active steps to prevent serious head injury is a smart move.

4) Don’t take symptoms lightly. If you have sustained what seems like a mild head injury and experience any sort of symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, vision problems, or other problems, visit an emergency room or doctor immediately. In fact, every time there is a significant impact with your head you will want to get it checked out by a medical professional. Many Miami brain injury patients initially experience few or no symptoms, even with a serious head injury. Unfortunately, without treatment, these injuries can become permanent or even life-threatening. Even if you do not sustain a brain injury, head injuries can result in eye damage, including retinal damage. Getting checked out by a medical professional is the smartest move you can make.

5) Wear smart shoes. Miami slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes for brain injuries. Wearing sensible shoes and carrying a cane or walker if you are an elderly person with mobility issues can help prevent a serious injury, broken bones, head injuries, and other types of injuries.

Continue reading "Preventing Miami Brain Injuries" »

Walking and hiking are considered among the best exercise choices out there. Walking is a low-impact exercise that increases the heart rate and can help combat obesity and heart disease. However, pedestrians in Miami face risks every day. Miami pedestrian accidents, especially those involving cars, often lead to fatalities or serious and permanent injuries for pedestrians. If you want to walk or hike, you need to take steps to ensure that it is a healthful as well as a safe exercise for you:

1) Consider walking in pedestrian-only areas. Walking on pedestrian-designated trails and walking areas ensures that you are far away from cars, trucks, and other kinds of vehicles that can cause Miami traffic accidents. The elderly may consider walking clubs in indoor spaces, such as gyms or malls. Conditions are more controlled and there are fewer Miami slip and fall hazards.

2) Bring a walking buddy. Walking with a friend is more fun, and ensures that there is someone to call for help in case you are injured. A walking buddy also makes you less of a target for criminals and ensures that you are more visible.

3) Vary your routine. In addition to Miami slip and fall accidents, pedestrians also need to be concerned about the individuals that they encounter on trails and parks. Varying your routine makes it more difficult for someone to get to know your routes and destinations.

4) Walk without distractions. Just as distracted driving leads to many Miami car accidents each year, walking while distracted can also lead to trips, falls, accidents, and injuries. Leave your music, texting devices, and other distractions at home. Focus only on your walking. You'll be more likely to notice any potential hazards or problems around you.

5) Bring what you need to stay safe. At minimum, consider bringing a cell phone or mobile device that allows you to call for help and allows you to access maps or other needed information in case you get lost. If you have serious allergies or a medical condition, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet in case you are injured.

6) Stay visible. If you do need to walk outside of pedestrian-only areas, be sure that you wear reflective clothing and light-colored clothing that is easily noticeable by motorists. Walk towards traffic. Avoid walking at night.

7) Consider all the risks and prepare for them. Hikers and walkers face various risks. One of them is from other walkers and people. Carrying a safety alarm, cell phone, and walking with a buddy can help reduce your chances of being victimized by crime. Miami car accidents are another risk for pedestrians. Avoiding high traffic areas and wearing visible clothing can help reduce your risk of being struck by a vehicle. Animals are another concern for hikers and walkers, especially in remote areas. Bringing a buddy and carrying a sturdy walking stick can help you avoid this type of danger.

Continue reading "Miami Pedestrian Accidents – What Hikers and Exercisers Need to Know" »

In October, two dog bite incidents have shone the spotlight on Broward County personal injuries resulting from animal attacks. In the latest incident, Nicholas Garvey, an eight-year-old, was attacked by what the media are describing as a pit bull-type canine – the same type of dog which attacked a child in the region earlier in October. Pit bull type dogs can be a mix of breeds or can be purebred American Staffordshire terriers.

The latest dog bites have renewed the debate about what causes Deerfield Beach dog bites and animal attacks across Florida. Some people believe that certain dog breeds are more prone to biting. In fact, Miami-Dade County has a ban against pit bull type dogs, a ban Garvey’s mother would like to see enforced in Broward County. Those who support such bans believe that aggression in bred into certain dog breeds and that dog bites are inevitable when such dogs are allowed to interact with children.

Indeed, statistics suggest that children are more likely to be affected by dog bites than adults. Part of the problem is that children may have fewer skills to deal with an aggressive dog. Children may also be naturally attracted to a dog and may approach a strange animal or even tease it, increasing the risk of an attack. Unfortunately, children are also more likely to suffer serious injuries as a result of dog bites. Since children are smaller, dogs can more easily reach the neck and head area, inflicting serious injuries. Some Deerfield Beach head injuries result from dog attacks, and these injuries can result in permanent medical issues for the victim. As well, experts note that children are less able than adults to defend themselves from an aggressive dog.

At issue in dog bite situations is also whether the dog itself or the owner is at fault. Under Florida law, pet owners are held liable if their pets attack others. Some experts also believe that owners can do a great deal to reduce the risk of dog bites. Socializing a dog correctly, taking a pet to obedience classes, properly restraining the dog at home and in public, and regular vet visits can all reduce the risk of attacks. Since there is so much that pet owners can do to make a dog less dangerous, some people believe that it is dog owners who are responsible when a dog bites. Incorrect training and poor care can make any animal more aggressive. Individuals also argue that dog owners know when their dog is dangerous and should take steps to keep others safe while seeking vet advice or obedience lessons to reduce the risks.

Unfortunately, Deerfield Beach dog bites and dog attacks across the state are unlikely to disappear overnight. These attacks, which usually have child victims, can result in permanent scarring, broken bones, and even permanent brain injury. In some cases, child victims of dog attacks do not survive the attack.

Continue reading "Two Broward County Dog Bite Incidents Place Pressure on Deerfield Beach and Other Communities " »

Miami has thousands of businesses as well as millions of homes, and the owners of each of those properties have the potential for becoming involved in a Miami premises liability lawsuit. Premises liability laws are designed to keep the community at large safer by ensuring that property owners have a legal obligation to keep their properties safe for tenants, guests, visitors, and employees. In many cases, Miami premises liability issues arise because of a few common causes:

1) Construction site and work site accidents. If you have someone working in your business or in your home, you need to ensure that they are adequately covered by insurance. You also need to provide a safe environment for that worker. This may mean adequate lighting, a safe place to work, and adequate signs about any hazards that cannot be removed.

2) Miami accidental drowning and pool-related injuries. Many homes in Miami have pools to take advantage of the beautiful weather, and even some businesses have pools. Many businesses in the tourism industry have pools for guests or even shallow reflecting pools for decoration. These can pose a drowning a hazard and it is up to the property owner to ensure adequate supervision as well as adequate security precautions to prevent such accidents. Businesses and homeowners may need to install self-locking gates, motion sensors, alarms, and other security features to keep visitors and guests safe.

3) Inadequate security. Like all large cities, Miami sees its share of violent crimes, including assault, rape, and other crimes. In many cases, the owner of the property where the crime occurred can be held partly liable – even if the perpetrator is never caught – if the crime was foreseeable and if adequate measures were not taken to prevent the crime. Adequate lighting, security systems, and informational flyers about crimes in the area can make businesses safer for visitors and can make business owners safer from premises liability claims.

4) Amusement park injuries and accidents. Miami is famous the world over for Disneyworld, and the area has dozens of amusement parks in addition to the famous Disney park. Miami amusement park accidents and injuries are rare, but when they do occur, they can be fatal or can lead to permanent injuries. Amusement park owners have an obligation to keep their properties safe for visitors and employees. When they fail to do so, legal action is the likely result if anyone is injured.

5) Slip and fall accidents. Miami slip and fall accidents are the most common type of premises liability case in the city. Quite simply, property owners have a duty to keep their property free of tripping hazards, ice and snow, spilled water, and any other dangers that could cause someone to slip and fall. Running regular checks of the property and having a system in place for quickly eliminating dangers can help property owners keep visitors and customers safer.

Continue reading "Miami Premises Liability Concerns for Business and Home Owners" »